What can you do if HRT isn’t right for you?

🤝 Get your own personalised menopause support from Dr Naomi Potter and her team: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/what-to-expect-ihih

In this week’s solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter explains the non-hormonal options that may help with perimenopause and menopause symptoms — from CBT, hypnotherapy and acupuncture to herbal remedies, antidepressants, beta blockers, Veozah and lifestyle changes.

HRT can be brilliant, but it is not suitable for everyone. Whether you can’t take HRT, don’t want to take it, or have tried it and struggled with side effects, this episode breaks down what else is available — without the fear, fads or confusion.

💬 Topics include:

• CBT for menopause

• Hypnotherapy, reflexology and acupuncture

• Herbal remedies (e.g black cohosh and ashwagandha)

• Plant oestrogens

• When antidepressants may be helpful

• Beta blockers

• Veozah / fezolinetant

• Bladder medications

• Lifestyle changes still matter

• How to avoid wasting money on menopause fads

Follow Dr Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

00:00 – 14 alternatives to HRT for menopause symptoms

01:20 – CBT for menopause anxiety, hot flushes & mood swings

03:28 – Hypnotherapy for menopause anxiety & sleep

04:43 – Reflexology for menopause symptoms

05:34 – Acupuncture for hot flushes & night sweats

07:41 – Herbal remedies for menopause explained

08:29 – Black cohosh for hot flushes & night sweats

09:21 – Ashwagandha for menopause brain fog & anxiety

09:54 – Plant oestrogens, soya & red clover for menopause

11:56 – Antidepressants (SSRIs) for menopause mood & anxiety

14:12 – Oxybutynin for hot flushes & night sweats

14:56 – Propranolol & beta blockers for menopause anxiety

16:03 – Veozah (fezolinetant): new non-hormonal menopause treatment

17:33 – Gabapentin for severe menopause symptoms

18:23 – Mirabegron & solifenacin for bladder symptoms

20:40 – Lifestyle changes that improve menopause symptoms

22:07 – How to choose the right menopause treatment for you

#menopause #hrt #drnaomipotter

Win a year's worth of Menopause Care appointments by entering our giveaway here: https://bit.ly/4t3ELhb

Can you take HRT if you have endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids?

In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by Menopause Care doctor Dr Eloise Elphinstone to talk through the conditions that can make menopause treatment feel more complicated – including endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids.

Together, they explain why these conditions can affect HRT choices, why progesterone matters, when a Mirena coil may be helpful, and why having endometriosis or fibroids does not automatically mean HRT is off the table.

Expect clear, practical advice for women who have spent years feeling dismissed, confused, or worried that their history of pain, heavy bleeding or surgery means they have fewer menopause treatment options.

💬 Topics include:

• What endometriosis actually is

• Why endometriosis can take years to diagnose

• Can HRT flare endometriosis symptoms?

• Why progesterone is important with endometriosis

• HRT after hysterectomy

• Surgical menopause and medical menopause

• What adenomyosis is and how it differs from endometriosis

• Fibroids, heavy bleeding and menopause

• Can you take HRT if you have fibroids?

• The role of the Mirena coil

• How to tell if pain is menopause or endometriosis

• Why specialist menopause care matters

Follow Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter

Follow Dr Eloise Elphinstone below:

Eloise's Instagram: @the_womenshealth_gp

Follow Dr Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

00:00 – Introduction: menopause, endometriosis & why diagnosis takes years

00:50 – What endometriosis actually is and why it causes pain

03:05 – Why menopause and HRT can complicate endometriosis

05:03 – How HRT is prescribed differently in endometriosis

08:00 – Hysterectomy, endometriosis & why progesterone still matters

09:59 – What the Mirena coil does and why it helps endometriosis

11:30 – Key takeaways: can women with endometriosis still use HRT?

13:28 – What is adenomyosis and how is it different from endometriosis?

16:26 – The “estrogen threshold” theory explained

17:01 – Medical menopause, GnRH treatments & surgical options

19:36 – Why endometriosis care and menopause care are often difficult

20:29 – Why endometriosis is called a chronic inflammatory condition

21:52 – Fibroids explained: symptoms, growth & menopause implications

24:48 – Can women with fibroids safely use HRT?

26:08 – The emotional impact of years of dismissed symptoms

28:26 – Mirena coils, fibroids & reducing heavy bleeding

29:50 – Why hysterectomies are less common than they used to be

31:07 – Listener question: bladder pain, hip pain & menopause vs endometriosis

35:08 – Listener question: can progesterone affect endometriosis?

36:01 – Final thoughts & outro

#hrt #endometriosis #perimenopause

❤️ Win a year's worth of Menopause Care appointments by entering our giveaway here: https://bit.ly/4t3ELhb

Confused about HRT in menopause?

Today Dr Naomi Potter is answering as many questions as possible about HRT – all sent in by our lovely listeners.

From what to do if progesterone affects your mood or sleep, to why vaginal oestrogen is still so underused, you can expect these frequently asked questions to be addressed with clear, practical, reassuring advice.

💬 Topics include:

• How to know if you need HRT

• Can you take HRT in your 30s?

• HRT and endometriosis

• What to do if one HRT product doesn’t suit you

• Bleeding on HRT

• Taking HRT while still having periods

• Progesterone, mood and sleep

• Mirena coil and progesterone

• Stopping HRT suddenly

• Testosterone and PCOS

• Vaginal oestrogen and recurrent UTIs

• HRT alternatives and supplements

• Anxiety after starting HRT

Follow Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter

Follow Dr Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

#hrt #perimenopause #menopause

Today we're revisiting our episode with self love expert Lou Featherstone AKA Lu in Luland.

If you have lost yourself in midlife, you need to listen to this.

If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Lou Featherstone here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4pje5DvRy7rUoc3eyvJfSN?si=bww7hrU5RE-No0eg4eezow

#menopause #midlife #midlifecrisis #perimenopause #drnaomipotter

Not being taken seriously about menopause or HRT?

In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by fellow menopause specialist Dr Liz Andrew to break down exactly how to get the most out of your GP appointment, and what to do if you’re dismissed.

From knowing what to say, to understanding your options around HRT, this episode gives you the tools to advocate for yourself with confidence. If you’ve ever left an appointment feeling unheard, this is essential listening.

Follow Is It Hot In Here? on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter

Follow Dr Liz Andrew:

Liz's Instagram: @drlizandrew

Follow Dr Naomi Potter:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

#gp #perimenopause #diagnosis

Today we're revisiting one of our first episodes of Is It Hot In Here? podcast, where Dr Naomi was joined by Lorraine Candy.

Lorraine was experiencing debilitating brain fog. Her memory was slipping, and things were getting so bad she scared herself into thinking she had early dementia, or a brain tumour.

While this might sound dramatic, it's an unfortunate truth that brain fog in perimenopause can easily take over your entire life. But luckily, once Lorraine realised what was really going on, she was able to get the help and menopause support she needed.

If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Lorraine Candy here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oPlBmuiw0mI7yPEU3Ez6Z?si=f_gk0DttRQWTzINX4zmqjA

#menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter

In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter breaks down everything you need to know about HRT gels and sprays — two of the most commonly prescribed forms of transdermal oestrogen. Whether you're interested in trying Lenzetto Spray or Estradiol gel, this episode will be massively helpful for you.

If you’ve ever felt confused about HRT dosing, absorption, or which option to choose, this episode will give you clear, practical answers.

💬 Topics include:

• HRT gels vs sprays: key differences explained

• How to apply oestrogen gel correctly (and common mistakes)

• Why absorption varies between women

• What to do if your HRT isn’t working

• How to safely adjust your dose

• The benefits of transdermal HRT (lower clot risk)

• How long you can stay on HRT

• Practical tips to fit HRT into your daily routine

Follow Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter

Follow Dr Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

00:00 – Intro: HRT Gels vs Sprays Explained

00:35 – HRT Gel: How It Works & How To Use It

02:43 – Where & When To Apply Gel (Key Tips)

05:52 – Why Choose Gel? (Pros & Practicalities)

06:39 – HRT Spray (Lenzetto): What It Is & How It Works

07:32 – Spray vs Gel: Dosing & Key Differences

08:49 – Spray Pros & Cons (Absorption & Ease)

10:01 – When To Replace Your Spray (Important!)

10:46 – How Long Can You Stay On HRT?

11:32 – Switching Between Gel & Spray

12:35 – Why Transdermal HRT Is Safer

#hrt #menopause #perimenopause

Today we're revisiting our very first episode of Is It Hot In Here? podcast, where Dr Naomi was joined by Dame Kelly Holmes.

Kelly opened up about feeling weaker than ever once perimenopause hit – she went from a Gold medalist athlete to not even able to do a single push up. And with that came fears of ageing, HRT anxiety, and more.

If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Dame Kelly Holmes here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0GAUMWlWD8nwlY9B7ckUwL?si=y2Vk06dtQMyX3Vjh5BKrcA

#damekellyholmes #perimenopause #drnaomipotter